Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)

The Detroit Public Library is a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC), supported by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Specialized reference services relating to patents, trademarks and copyright are provided by highly trained and knowledgeable librarians. In addition, the Library's business section is of great help for those who seek to market their inventions, products or services. All services are free and available to the public. Book and material checkout, however, is subject to DPL circulation rules.

Services

Two patent and trademark computers dedicated to searching

PubWest, a powerful database only available at PTRC libraries

Assistance and training on doing a thorough patentability search using the USPTO website and other patent searching websites

Books, journals and databases

Historic materials for studying the history of technology and prior art

Metered street parking on Cass, Woodward, Putnam and Kirby Avenues. Free parking in the lot on the south side of the Main Library, all day on Saturdays and from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Lot is accessible from Putnam Avenue via Cass Avenue. Customers must then use either the Cass or the Woodward entrance.